How to stop pay drivers taking over

Formula 1's status as the pinnacle of motorsport depends largely on the quality of its drivers. EDD STRAW argues that the FIA must take steps to guarantee this remains the case

Complaints about so-called pay drivers have reached a cacophonous level bordering on hysteria. Against a backdrop of Formula 1's financial troubles, many teams have quite legitimately had to ensure that one or both of their drivers guarantees a chunk of sponsorship to make up a budget shortfall, or in some cases keeps them going altogether.

While pay drivers have been a fact of life throughout the history of the sport, their prevalence can become corrosive. Fortunately, while there are some drivers not on the grid who unquestionably should be ahead of a few of those who are, the overall standard is still high.